Thousands of people gathered around the five high battle arenas. Everyone was eager to show their strength and make their sect known.
The rule of the battle was simple. Defend the battle stage until you're defeated.
Watching the battle, everyone was holding not to reveal their strength. Today was only a mock-up battle, warm-up. Also, an avenue for those that might not qualify for tomorrow's real martial arena.
"Senior Brother, why are there no Peak Foundation Realm warriors and even Core Refining Warriors? I heard many sects had disciples in that realm." A younger core disciple asked, staring at Peng Zhao.
"Because there is no reason for them to appear. Today is for weaker sects and disciples." An Elder responded without looking at him.
Compared to the disciples who were not allowed to wander off outside the hotel, the elders were allowed to explore the Imperial Capital.
It was then they learned how monstrous the disciples of the ancient sect were.
Apart from the ancient sect, many sects outside the Imperial Capital from different parts of the central region were also powerful.
The rich spiritual energy allowed them to grow quickly.
Compared to other regions, the difference was clear.
A boy was flying out of the stage. He was the last defending champion but now, he had been defeated in three strikes.
"I'm Kai Wen, disciple of the Crimson Flame Sect." Kai Wen shouted with a confident smile playing on his lips.
Peng Zhao looked at Kai Wen, his eyes blazing with competitive spirit. Both were Foundation Realm stage 5.
Without hesitating, he leaped forward and landed confidently on the stage.
"Peng Zhao from the Dust Valley Sect." He announced.
"Dust Valley Sect? Never heard of it." Kai Wen shook his head in disdain.
The crowd was also confused. This was the first time they ever heard of a Dust Valley Sect.
Which region are they from?
Quickly, everyone turned their eyes to the group of Dust Valley Sect.
They stared at them for a moment only to discover the highest among their disciples was a female, Foundation Realm stage 6.
"So weak…" A girl whispered.
"I bet they must be a new sect and were lucky to have a Golden Core Expert."
"From their expression, they must be from the backward region." Another voice added.
Elders and disciples had an ugly expression, barely containing their rage. They would have responded if not for the sect master's warning.
"Focus on the battle." Supreme Elder Zhao said with a stern voice.
Under Supreme Elder Zhao's stern voice, the disciples managed to contain their rage and focus their attention on the battle.
"Python Tail Flame Punch!"
Kai Wen's punch was horrifying. The frightening flame punch formed by spiritual energy seemed to devour anything on its path.
Peng Zhao moved using one of the sect's movement skills–Cloud Chase Dust.
"Dust Severance Slash!"
His gleaming blade cleaved the incoming flame punch into two while arriving before Kai Wen.
Kai Wen was stunned. He did not expect the unknown disciple to be swift and decisive.
He snorted and prepared to respond with another attack when he saw Peng Zhao's blade coming for his neck.
Scared, he leaned as he tried to evade the attack only to discover it was a feint.
The real attack was a kick.
The deadly kick connected with his jaw, sending him flying out of the stage.
The crowd was stunned.
Kai Wen was one of the top ten disciples of the Crimson Flame Sect. But now, he had been defeated in two strikes.
How was that possible?
Elders from the Crimson Flame Sect had an unsightly expression on their faces.
Although Kai Wen was only ranked eighth, his easy defeat left a slap on their faces.
To the side, the Dust Valley Sect had a bright smile on their faces. They looked at the other sects around them with a proud smile.
Although their cultivation was low, each of them had fought hundreds of battles in the Blood Arena.
In terms of fighting experience, they did not believe they would lose to anyone of the same realm.
"Indeed, Kai Wen must have underestimated him."
Quickly, the crowd recovered from their shock and retorted with a sneer.
The Dust Valley Sect were stunned. They did not expect the crowd to be this unreasonable.
Meanwhile, on the stage, another disciple had jumped to the stage. She was a female disciple dressed in loose violet robes.
"Fang Yin, Frost Petal Sect." She announced.
"Peng Zhao, Dust Valley Sect."
After paying their respects, the two locked in a battle. Fang Yin's ice technique was deadly, freezing anything it touched.
Peng Zhao, however, was swift and decisive. He evaded all the attacks and those he couldn't evade were split apart.
Two powerful punches hit Fang Yin on her chest and she was sent hurtling out of the stage.
This time, no one made any comment. They stared at Peng Zhao with a look of respect.
Although they did not know which region the Dust Valley Sect came from, they had to accept that Peng Zhao was strong.
In the world where strength was respected, he had gained their respect.
Still, the battle had to continue.
He faced the third opponent and he easily defeated him. By the fourth, his opponent's strength had increased. He was a Foundation Realm stage 6.
Yet, in less than ten moves, he defeated him.
A Foundation Realm stage 7 jumped up the stage. The battle was tough with no one having an upper hand.
Peng Zhao, with his vast experience, managed to defeat him in less than one hundred moves.
Five winning streaks was not easy. This alone was enough for the Dust Valley Sect to raise their heads high during the summit. The source of thɪs content is noᴠelfire.net
He panted heavily, his robes drenched in sweat but the bright smile on his face spoke volumes of his excitement.
Staring at him, the Dust Valley Sect elders and disciples were brimming with pride.
A sturdy boy jumped to the stage. He stared at Peng Zhao for a moment without speaking.
He threw a powerful fist. The fist made a howling sound as it rushed to Peng Zhao.
Peng Zhao deflected the punch with his sword only for him to retreat a couple of feet.
His right hand trembled under the aftershock. His eyes burned with fighting spirit.
He dashed forward, closing the distance with his movement skill.
The two were locked in a terrifying battle. Peng Zhao avoided meeting his punches head-on while looking for his weapon.
Unfortunately, his steady approach made room for his opponent to strike with more strength.
Peng Zhao was sent flying out of the stage, crashing heavily to the ground.
Yet, no one dared to look down on him.
[AN: This is the bonus chapter for week 1 Golden Ticket goal target]